Magnet operated sealed switchboard



March 27, 1951 c. MARBLE ET AL 2,546,647

MAGNET OPERATED SEALED SWITCHBOARD Filed Aug. 1, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.6

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CLARENCE MARBLE CARL F RUCKDE SCHEL ATTORNEY March 27, 1951 c. MARBLE ET AL 2,545,647

MAGNET OPERATED SEALED SWITCHBOARD Filed Aug. 1, 1946 4 Sheets-Shed 2 CLARENCE MARBLE CARL F. RUCKDESCHEL ATTORNEY March 27, 1951 c. MARBLE ET AL 2,545,647

MAGNET OPERATED SEALED SWITCHBOARD Filed Aug. 1, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet :5

F I G. 5 TYPICAL SUB STATION 524 ATTENDANTS TELEPHONE [Sm INVENTORS. 515 5' CLARENCE MARBLE BUZZER BY GARL F. RUCKDESCHEL ATTORNEY March 27, 1951 c. MARBLE ETAL 2,546,647

MAGNET OPERATED SEALED SWITCHBOARD Filed Aug. l, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 N 233 F MI 124 O I34 I2! I25 228 224 208 I 220 .1 232 O Cl m 230 o2 w 229 |55 2o| 226 ZIO 205 q (1 P I 1 i J 207 200 223 zzl 127 22 225 INVENTORS.

CLARENCE MARBLE BY CARL F RUCKDESCHEL ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 27, 1951 UNETED STATES ATENT GFFiCE.

MAGNET OPERATED SEALED SWITCHEGARD Application August 1, 1946, Serial No. 687,642

25 Claims. 1

This invention relates to telephone systems in general and more particularly to improvements in manually operated switchboards.

Heretofore switching between lines connected to such switchboards has been accomplished by means of manually operated plugs or keys. The switchboard embodied in this invention employs independent movable permanent magnets for op- 1-l}lll$ switching devices to complete connections be en the line connected thereto. The magnets are unattached to the switchboard or any of its parts except by magnetic attraction.

It is an object of this invention to provide a switchboard in which switching operations are accomplished by the movement of unattached permanent magnets.

is another object of this invention to pro vide a simple, compact switchboard in which the switching mechanism can be mounted in an enclosure, sealed against dust and moisture and controlled by permanent magnets from outside of the enclosure.

It is a further object of the invention to utilize independent permanent magnets for controlling signals initiated by the connecting lines of a switchboard.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a switchboard mechanical visual signals that can be operated in any position.

One feature of the invention permits the operation of the switchboard when mounted in any position.

Another feature of the invention is that wear will be negligible due to the small number of moving parts and due to the exclusion of dust and moisture from the switching mechanisms.

A further feature of the invention is that the switchboard can be satisfactorily operated in total darkness.

A still further feature of the invention provides protection of the lines and apparatus from high voltage electricity.

Another feature of the invention is that all devices employing bearings, levers, hinges, or the like and all switching contacts can be sealed in a container and that the switchboard can be operated with the electrical power generated by the connecting instruments for signalling and talking.

The above objects and features and. others not particular-l mentioned at this time will be described in detail in the following specification with the aid of the accompanying drawings comprising Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Fig. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a ten line switchboard for use with local battery substation equipment. Fig. 2 is an end view shown with the end panel removed. 3 is an enlarged view or" a portion of the signal locking mechanism. Fig. 4 is a plan view, broken, and showing the location of but three of the line equpiments. Fig. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of a common battery switchboard. Fig. 6 is a perspective View of the switchboard. Fig. '7 is an enlarged view of the lower portion of Fig. 2.

The switchboard as presented here is arranged to connect ten telephones simultaneously, that is, estailishes five connection with two telephones on each. It consists of a case of non-magnetic material with a top or cover, also of non-magnetic material, which from the side resembles a miniature flight of steps. Switching apparatus, including visual signals, is mounted inside the case and terminals for connecting the switching apparatus to associated lines and to an operator's set extend through the case. Connections between lines, or between lines and the operator are made by moving permanent magnets over the top or cover of the switchboard, the steps, and visual marks on them, serving as indications for the proper positions for the magnets.

recent years considerable increase in the power of permanent magnets has been effected through the use of new materials. These new magnets of small volume have suiiicient attraction for ferrous materials to permit their use in activating small switches. These new magnets do not lose an appreciable amount of their power over long periods of time and are therefore highly suitable for use as employed in this invention. The magnets are not attached to the switchboard except by magnetic attraction and may therefore be removed at any time to a remote location to prevent tampering or unauthorized use of the switchboard.

The top or cover of the switchboard is fastened to the case with machine screws and retaining strips and sealed with a gasket. The terminals for outside connections extending through the case are sealed in the case wall. Translucent or transparent windows are sealed in the wall of the case to make the indicators visible from the outside. All moving parts and contacts except the operators equipment, the armature adjusting screws, the permanent magnets and the terminals for outside connections are mounted in the interior of the switchboard and are protected from outside atmospheric conditions such as dust and moisture. The switchboard may thus be operated in locations where atmospheric conditions are relatively harmful to electrical contacts and to moving parts and it is uniquely suitable for military field use, for forestry service, or for use on ships.

In l the lines L5 to M0, inclusive, are 5 shown connect-ed to the terminals TI and R! to TH: and R10, respectively. The terminal Ti is connected by conductor CI to the contact springs 2l in each of the connecting commons A to iinclusive, and from common F through 1 contact E25 and conductor 28 to one terminal The Swill of coil I21. The terminal RE is connected by ssifficient 1:91 conduct 1' to the contact springs I22 in each be contactspl'fl of the connecting commons A to F inclusive, and 9n the to another terminal of the coil 52?. Each of the l l terminals T2 and R2 to Tits and REG, inclusive, L i

'I' n aw Y, are connected likewise to similar apparatus. 19 ct sprin s L. as

' Ci and the Contact Each line is equipped with a local battery telephone set (not shown) Which includes a ringer and hand generator suitable for energizing the coil E2? to operate the visual 123. One of the permanent magnets M! to Mi 9 is associated with each of the lines and in the normal position N coop rate wi h the armature l35 to control the visual 23 after it has been operated by the coil 22.

In each of inclusive, 1 o

lding the "aends of the armatures app The strips the armature st provided for re-e11:

s in conne o the which can thus allowing the ma net M1, to most effectively cor. such as armatu 51 :8.

One terminal he coil i. tor Ci and the other. :25 i h v the M! nlaced over the 2 5 Wild I the magnet Mi 6 olac J 3 g 3 9 the line L59 connect the lin 15 a 3391131 to conduct-91s CS C is mounted on the heel- The C3 conductor a" connecting con magnet piece 2;: Win case to t is movabiy a pin The tached the or e hccip so that the me & SCED.

2? air st surface the top Bill at point connected to the 23E which is attached to the is: to ground at n n p e w engage th high potential is t ste. bar 2%. In case the across the air gap 5 coi ed the armaure 2l9 opera es ground at 5%! io 1 1nd ate-r against the ga nhigh potentials such {15 (10W a I 1 iagnet M1 1n tnepo sition line or the connected snor/n o; 3., engages wit the In the late; 1! r. gaged w th the latch anel removed. r against the W111- l3! are incur: d r thereon can be seen in the case i ature 21 9 opfibre or any su e A L a q A :11 ind cator i iateiy in en nne of 1151021 which is cuts adow permits iastenel to the cam Two of t such sup orts are prov .l i ntchbeard t;

the amount of movement required is not relative to the size of the visual indicator I28 or to the markings thereon. Should the magnet MI be moved from the position shown in Fig. 2 the operating spring 228 moves the armature 135 against the armature stop 2 i B. The operating spring 228 remains in contact with the armature I35 thus dropping the latch 225 and disengaging it from the stop 23s. The armature 2i9 is restored to normal by the spring 2253 and the visual indicator I25 is moved away from the window 22!. Replacement of the magnet M! to the position shown in Fig. 2 reoperates the armature i 35 and prepares the latch 22$ for engagement with the stop 23%.

It may be noted that the visual indicator I28 is held in its normal position by the springs 220 and 22%, the operating bar 224 and the stop 225. The visual indicator is held in its operated position by the magnet Mi cooperating with the armature E35, the latch 223 and the stop 230. The armature i355 when not operated by the magnet Mi is held against the armature stop 2 I EB, and in this position permits the visual indicator I28 to restore to its normal position. The visual indicator I23 can thus be controlled from Without the switchboard and can be operated satisfactorily regardless of how the switchboard is mounted.

The armature L29 in connecting common A is shown its normai .osition resting against the armature stop 2 it under pressure of the operating spring 288. Contact springs E25 and I23 are controlled by the operating spring 293 and the bushings 232 and 2-33. the magnet M! is placed over the armature i253 the free end of the armature I25. is moved against the inner surface of the top 2525 and by moons of operating the spring 2953 the contact spring MI is moved to engage contact spring I23 and contact spring E22 is moved to engage contact spring IN. The line Li through terminal TI is connected through conductor CI, contacts springs Iti and I23 to conductor C3 and through terminal R! is connected through conductor Ci, contact springs I22 and 525 to conductor Similar armatures are provided in connecting common A for each of the lines L2 to LII] inclusive. If the magnet M2 is placed over the armature are for the line L2, the line L2 is connected to the conductors C3 and C4 in the same manner as described for the line LI. When the magnet Mi is removed from the connecting commen A the operating spring Zilii moves the armature IZQ to its normal position against the armature stop 2: and allows the contact springs I2I and I23 and E22 and 2 2: to disengage.

Ihe armatures it i under control of magnets, such as the magnet MI, likewise serve to connect and disconnect their associated lines to the conduotors C53 and C5 in the connecting common F which is associated with the attendants telephone IGE. The operation of an armature I34 also disconnects one terminal of the coil I2? from the line associated therewith.

Assume now that the magnet M! is in the normal position N and that a call is to be originated on the line LI and extended to the line LI I]. The calling party impresses a signalling voltage on the line LI by means of the hand generator associated with the line telephone set. The coil I2? is energized operating the armature I29 to move the visual indicator I23 against the window 221 and to engage the stop 23% with the latch 229 to hold the visual indicator operated. The attendant observes the signal and removes the magnet M I from the position N, thus allowing the stop 233 and the latch 229 to disengage and the visual indicator I28 to restore to normal. The magnet MI is placed over the armature I34 in the position F operating the free end of the armature it! against the top 29! and by means of operating spring 2&8 and bushings 232 and 233 engages contact spring I2I with contact spring I23 and contact spring I22 with contact pring Md. The line LI is thus connected to the attendants telephone Iti over terminals TI and RI, conductors CI and 02, contact springs I2I, 223 and I522, I2 1, conductors C3 and C 9, terminal TI and RI] and the line Lil.

The attendant talks to the calling party and finding that a connection to the line LII] is desired visually checks the position of the magnet Mitt to determine whether the line Lli! is idle. Assume now that the line Lib is idle, that the magnet MI?! is in the N position forthe line LID, and that the connecting common E is idle. The attendant moves the magnet MI from the F position, disconnecting the line LI from the attendants telephone IOI at contact springs I2I, 23 and E22, I24 and places the magnet MI in the E position for the line LI thus operating the armature and connecting the line Li through contact springs I2i, I23 and I22, I26 to the corn doctors C3 and C4 in the connecting common E. The attendant then moves the magnet MI 3 to the F posi ion for the line LIE operating the arrna ture here-at and connecting line LI ii through. contact springs IZI, I23 and I22, I2 to the line Lt and the attendants telephone IilI. The ath the telephone IiiI to signal the line LI 9. The visual indicator I28 associated with the line LII] is disconnected at contact spring The attendant then moves the magnet Mid from the F position disconnecting the line Lit from the attendants telephone and places the magnet in the E position for the line LII) thus operating the armature E33 and connecting the line LIB through contact springs IZI, I23 and I22, I24 to the conductors C3 and C4 in conn cting common E and thus to the line Li.

Conversation between the lines LI and Lit may now be carried on in the usual manner. When the conversation is terminated or if further service from the attendant is desired the hand generator on either line is operated. The coils I2? for the lines LI and LIE are connected to the conductors C3 and Ci of the connecting common It and are both operated by the voltages developed by the hand generator of either line. The visual indicators I28 for the lines LI and LIt. are momentarily moved against their respective windows 22'! but are not held there as the stops 23E cannot engage the latches 229. This momentary visual signal and the buzzing action of the armatures 2!?) indicate to the attendant the line or lines which are re-signalling. The attendant observing that the visual indicators I23 for the lines LI and LIZ are momentarily visible connects the attendants telephone 1M to the lines LI and Lid by moving the magnets MI and Mid from the E positions for the respective lines to the F positions therefor. The attendant challenges on the lines LI and Lid and if further service is required sets up a connection by shiiting the magnets in the manner previously de scribed. If the call is terminated the attendant places the magnets MI and M It in their respective N positions, indicating that the lines LI and LIB are idle and preparing them for other calls.

An extra magnet may be provided for the at tendant so that a connection may be monitored ant operates the hand generator associated without shifting the two line magnets. The ex tra niagnet is placed in the F position for either oi the .g-nnect-ed l s and the attendants telephone is connected directly to one of the lines previously described and, through the conductors C3 and C of the connecting common, to the other of the lines.

a Fig. 5 a sche atic diagram for a common The terminals and G5?! are ar to the case ofi, to which top 28!, is sealed and atvitching apparatus including conch as contact springs 56%, the line and lamps SL and LL are mounted i-wr of the case. The armatures SP3 to or opera-ti: g the contact springs are c the case and switching operations (1 by moving the magnets M5! to r the top of the case and into relaa 'oiatures. The lamps LL and SL the relays LR in co-operation e magnets, such the magnet l IiH, armatures and contact springs 5! i to 5 i i inclusive. forent colored lamp caps are provided for the Tsly wh te for the lamps Tllese lamp caps .F; transparent or s can be discerned m outsio T line role s have double wound coils which are connected to positive and negative battery and to ti eir respective line terminals, such as the terminals and R62, through conductors CS5 and C52, contact springs 533 and and the heat coils 532. The conductors CEi an; C52 are con; through line cond. T -"i nd LC2 to contacts 5635 and 53% re- Che contact springs 535 585, op

ed by the armatures iii? to 5222 inclusive uncontrol of the magnets, such as the magnet the connection of conductors CEH h condensers LC! and LC? and and to conductors of and CM respectively commons A to F inclusive. The contact igs and 552 operated by tho arniatures under control or the magnets, such as magnet disconnect the conductors C55 and from the relays LR contact =1. 'ings d and connect them through contact 5-3 and respectively, of the connectin common R. ilie conductors C53 and C54 terminate on the terminals GEE and G52. e generator GEN conninals Gel and G52 is of any nee-ted to i in type. such as a sub-cycle or a hand ringers Battery for the lamps LL and SL is taken through the coil of the relay SR, which operates whenever one or more of the lamps is lighted. At armature SR5 the relay closes a circuit to the buzzer B through contact springs and Sit thus providing an audible signal for the attendant. The magnet MEI controls the contact springs 545 and 518 through armature If it is desired to use the audible signal the magnet M6! is moved away from the armatiu'e disengaging the contact springs Eifi and 52s, tilus disabling the buzzer B.

The conductors C53 and C55 of the connecting common F are connected through condenser l to the secondary winding S of the induction coil 1 C. Taps from the winding S are connected to the terminals T and R50 to which are also connected the receiver REC of the attendants telephone. The transmitter TRANS of the attendants telephone is connected to the terminals PI and P2. The terminal P! is connected to one terminal of the primary winding P of induction coil [0. The other terminal or the winding P is con nected to positive battery at the terminal The terminal P2 is connected to one terminal of the battery feed impedance B! th other terminal of which is connected to negative battery at terminal The condenser 032 provides a low inipedance path for voice currents through the transmitter and the primary winding P or the induction coil 1C.

The typical substation set is of the well known common battery type and is shown connected over line L66 to the terminals T63 and Assume now that a call is originated over the line LS5 and that the receiver 523 is removed from the switchhook 529. A circuit may now be traced to the relay LR associated with the line LS3 from battery at the terminal right winding the relay LR, conductor C52, contact springs E25 and 552, conductor C56, heat coil 532, terrni al lower conductor of line L62 contact spring. 1 38, transmitter 525, induction coil winding upper conductor of line L66, terminal T58, heat coil conductor C contact springs 58! and left winding of the relay LR, to positive battery at terminal The relay LR operates and closes a circuit to the lamp LL from positive bat-- tery at terminal armature LE2, contact springs 512 and 5M, lamp LL, winding of the relay SR to negative battery at terminal The lamp LL lights, signalling the attendant, and the relay SR operates. If the contact springs and 5H3 are engaged as shown in Fig. 5 the attendant receives an audible signal from the buzzer B as previously described.

To answer the attendant moves the magnet M50 from the N position for the line L33, opening contact springs 5H! and 5M and closing contact springs 51 l and and places it over the armature 522 in the F position for the line The lamp LL is extinguished when its circuit opened at contact springs Eli: and 514. The armature 522- is operated by the magnet M50 in the F position, engaging contact spring 5% with contact spring 591' and contact spring 586 with contact spring 5'03 thus connecting the attend telephone through conductc-rs "53 and (35- 5 of the connecting common F and the line condenser LC! and L02 to the line L5G. The attendant now may converse with the calling subscriber and determine what service is required.

Assuming that a connection with line 7.51 desired, the attendant observes the position of the magnet MM, and assuming that it is in the N position for the line L5! and the lamp SL is not li hted ,the line L5! is indicated being idle. The attendant removes the magnet MEE-i from the N position disengaging the contact springs 5E2 and 5 l and engaging the contact springs I and M3. he lamp SL for the line L5! is lighted from battery at terminal winding of the relay SR, lamp SL, contact springs 51! and Eli, armature LRI, to ground at terminal The magnet M5! is placed over the armature 5:5 in the R position for the line L51, connecting generator through the conductor C53 and (355 of the connecting common R. contact springs 5*"! 509 and contact springs 5G2, Sit, to the terminals T5! and R5! and the line L5! to signal the called substation. The magnet M65 is moved from the F position for the line Llii} to the A position for line Ltd, assuming that the connecting common A is not in use, and the line is connected through condensers LC! and L02 and contact springs 5%, 5m and 5%, Eilii to the conductors C53 and 055 of connecting common A. After the line Lei has been signalled the magnet M55! is moved from the R position for the 115.16 Liii connecting conductors C55 and C58 to conductors C5! and C52 through contact springs sci 5953 and 5G2, 584, and the magnet Mfii is placed over the armature 5!? in the position A for the line Lei connecting it through condensers LCi an and contact springs Eli-5, bill and conductors C53 and 05s of the co necting men A and thus to the line The relay LR for the line L55 is connected to the line through terminals T55 and R51 previously described. When the called substation answers the relay LR is operated in series with the line LM and the substation transmitter in the same manner as described for the relay LR for the line L65, each of the relays LR supplying transmission battery to its associated line. The relay LR opens the previously traced circuit for the lamp SL at armature LRi. The lamp SL is extinguished to provide answering supervision for the attendant.

It may be noted that if the magnets, such as M51 are not in the N position the supervisory lamps SL may be flashed by the manipuiation of the switchhook of the substation on the asso ciated line for supervisory purposes. Likewise the line lamps LL cannot be lighted. When the receivers at the substations for the lines L55 and Ltd are replaced the associated LR relays restore and the associated lamps SL are lighted as previously described. The two SL lamps being lighted steadily indicates to the attendant that the call is terminated. The magnets M5! and M86 are removed from the A positions, disconnecting their associated lines from the con necting common A, and are placed in their respective N positions. The contact springs 5H and 543 are disengaged, extinguishing the lamps SL and the contact springs 5!? and 5H! are engaged preparing circuits for the lamps LL. The position of the magnets M5! and M653 in their respective N positions indicates that the lines are idle.

It may be noted that more than two of the lines can be connected together by placing their magnets in the proper positions on one of the connecting commons. Thus if all of the magnets are placed on one connecting common a conference circuit or a common talking circuit is provided for all of the lines. This feature applies to either the magneto switchboard shown in 1 or the common battery switchboard shown in Fig. 5.

The armature stops s are adjustable thus permitting the armatures, such as the arinatures I29 and Eli, to be easily moved into normal positions which provide favorable movement of the contact springs, such as the contact springs i2! and On the switchboards described the armature stops 29d serve as stops or marks which in cooperation with the formed top of the switchboard locate the positions for the magnets in relation to the armatures.

With the switchhoards described an extra magnet is provided to permit the attendant to monitor without disturbing the line magnets. The attendant can listen on any connection by placing this extra magnet on the attendants connecting common for any line of a connection which is to be monitored. By placing this magnet on the attendants connecting common at one side of the switchboard and shifting it slowly to. the other side the attendant can quickly determine whether any connected lines are not in use.

For night operation it is proposed to paint the markings on the visual indicators 52% using radium paint. Similarly markings for locating the positions for the magnets can be painted with radium paint on the outside of the switchboard top.

Where an audible signal is desired, on the magneto switchboard shown in Fig. l, a clapper can be added to the armature 215 of each line. This clapper striking against the case will cause a loud si nal. However, it is believed that the armature 2E9 will be sufficiently noisy to serve as an audible signal and that the clapper can be omitted.

The magneto switchboard shown in Fig. 1 can be operated using sound-powered telephones on the connecting lines. In case hand generator are not supplied for the lines the visual signals will not be used and calls can be answered either by shifting the extra magnet across the attendants connecting common periodically and challenging each idle line or by placing the line magnets cn the attendants connecting common when lines are not in use, and then, when a call is received, requesting the number or the calling line. Connections are set up through the connecting commons as previously described and are supervised by monitoring with the extra magnet.

Having described my invention what is considered to be new and is desired to be protected by Letters Patent wi l be forth in the follow ing claims.

What is claimed is:

l. in a switching system, a container comprising a case and. a cover. switching equipment including an operating spring and an armature mounted therein, means for sealing said cover to said case to protect said switching equipment from dust and moisture, a movable permanent magnet free of any mechanical and electrical attachments, a marked location on said cover for permanent magnet, said operating spring and said armature being operable to one position in case said permanent magnet is place in said marked location, said operating spring being effective for moving said rmature to another position in case said permanent magnet is moved from said marked location, an adjustable stop mounted in said cover, said stop being operable from outside of said cover to control said other position of said a mature.

2. in a switching system, contact springs, a casing, means for mounting said contact springs in said casing, rigid cover of non-magnetic material attachable to said casing, a soft iron armature, a hinge for said armature attached to said cover, one end of said armature being rounded and being held approximately in contact with said cover by said hinge, an adjustable armature stop in said cover, an operating spring for holding said armature movabiy against said stop, the other end of armature being movable between said stop and said cover, said stop being adiustable to control the amount of said movement, said operating spring being effective in response to the r.ovement of said armature for controlling said contact springs, a free perma nent magnet, visible markings on said cover for 11 indicating a position for said magnet, and said magnet being movable to and from said position to o he movement of said armature be- 13. said stop and said cover.

3. In a switching system, a plurality of contact soi gs, a sealed container for enclosing said contact springs. an adjustable stop for controlling on of one group of said springs in relaon to another group oi said springs, said stop being sealed in said con a ner and operable from outside of said container, an unattached perlil2lll5ll magnet, means responsive to the movement of said permanent magnet into a predeterrnin :l relation with said contact springs for changi g the position of said one group or" contact s; s in relation to said other group of gs, said adjustable stop being operto control the amount of said change. In an electrical control system, a plurality control devices each having an armature resxe to magnetic force, a sealed case for said control devices, an adjustable stop *or each of said armatures, said adjustable stops cessible from outside of said case, an permanent magnet, a position for armatures being selectively operable to movement of said permanent magfrom positions located by said visible for operating their corresponding cons, said adjustable stops being operable the combination of eieotive control of said arm ures by permanent magnet and satisfactory mention of said control devices.

5. In a signalling system, a mechanical visual signal having a normal position and an operoosition, means for operating said signal to operated position, a latch, a movable permagnet, means responsive to the moveof said permanent magnet for operating latch, said latch being eliective in case said anent magnet is in one position and said .1 is operated to said operated position for said signal therein, means for restoring a nail to its normal position, said last mentioned means being operative in response to the movement of said permanent magnet from said one position In a signalling system, a mechanical indicator, a spri for holding said indicator in a norma position, armature responsive to magnetic l force, another spring for holding said in normal position, a latch associate her spring and said indicator, a pergnet manually movable into relation 'ature to operate it from its normal r operating said icator from inon, said latch being reflective to ,ndicator in its operated position in rrnoture is operated from its normal on by permanent or? met. said other ng being effective to operate said latch in '1 barman rotmagnet is moved away from id armature, said first spring and said operatthereafter being effective for con- 1 said indicator.

a signalling system, a visible signal, a

' enclosing said signal, a winitainer to permit said sig- .1- outside of said con said signal from out- .a con nor, an independent pe nianent outside said container, and means for Lil) controlling signal, said last means being inside of said container and operable under control of said rinanent magnet.

In signalling system, a visual signal, a anslucent co i'or said signal, means for opsignal visible eon .nical signal in cooperation vith said 'ing means, control means being.- reto the movement of said permanent to iron said marked position, said o means and said marked position associated said mechanical s nal so that it can be permanent individually to establish a con ection between any two of said lines thru any one of said links and to establish a connection between any other of said lines thru another one of said links.

11. In a signalling system, a switchboard, a plurality of lines, means at said switchboard for establishing connections between said lines, a visual signal for each of said lines, a permanent magnet for each of said signals, each magnet having a normal position in relation to its respective signal and attached thereto only by magnetic force, said magnets being manually removable irorn said normal positions, means for operating said signals under control of said lines to signal said switchboard to further the establishment of connections between said lines, means responsive to the operation of said signals and effective in case said magnets are in said normal positions for holding said signals operated under control of their respective magnets, and means responsive to the movement of said magnets from their normal positions for restoring said signals.

12. In a signalling system, a switchboard, a line terminating at said switchboard, a mechanical visual signal in said switchboard having a control armature, an independent permanent magnet, a normal position for said permanent magnet visually marked in relation to said control armature, said permanent magnet being manually movable to and from said normal posimeans for operating said signal under control of said line, said control armature and permanent magnet in its normal position cooperatin thereafter to hold said signal operated, and means for releasing said signal in case said ng connecting commons, a plu ity of lines inating therea-t, a movable permanent magnet and a signal for each of said lines, a plurality of marked positions for each of saidpermanent magnets, permanent magnets being movable to and from said marked positions, means responsive to such movements of said permanent magnets for controlling said signals and for controlling connections between said lines thru said connecting commons.

14. In a switching system, a switchboard in-- cluding connecting commons, a plurality of lines, a signal and an independent permanent magnet at said switchboard for each of said lines, means for operating said signals under control of their respective lines, said permanent magnets being manually movable for controlling said signals at said switchboard, and means operative under control of said permanent magnets for selectively connecting said lines to said connecting coinmons.

15. In a signalling system, a switchboard, a line terminating thereat, two signals for said line, an unattached and movable permanent magnet, a visually marked normal position on said switchboard for said permanent magnet, means for operating one of said signals under control of 1.;

said line in case said magnet is in its normal, position, and means for operating the other of said signals under control of said line in case said magnet is removed from said normal position.

16. In a telephone system, a subscribers line, a relay for said line, a lamp, an electrical circuit for said lamp, a movable permanent magnet, means whereby said relay is operated under control of said line to control said lamp circuit, and means whereby said lamp circuit is controlled by the forces exerted from the location of said permanent magnet.

17. In a switching system, a switchboard having a plurality of lines and a plurality of links, switching means for each line in each link, a container for enclosing said switching means to protect the same from dust and moisture, permanent magnets outside of said container, and means inside said container under control of the forces exerted by said permanent magnets for operating said switching means to interconnect two or more of said lines thru any one or said links.

18. In a telephone system, a switchboard comprising a sealed case having connecting switches and connecting links mounted therein, a plurality of subscriber lines extending from said switchboard, a plurality of movable permanent magnets, a plurality of visually indicated positions for said permanent magnets on said switchboard, and means whereby the forces exerted by the location of said permanent magnets operate individual ones of said connecting switches in response to the movement of said permanent magnets to individual ones of said indicated positions to selectively connect said lines to said connecting links.

19. In a telephone system, subscriber lines, switchboard comprising a sealed case ior terminating said lines and for establishing connections therebetween, visual signals individual to each of said lines mounted in said case, means for operating said signals under control of their corresponding lines to signal said switchboard, independent and movable permanent magnets outside of said case, means in said case responsive to the movement of said permanent magnets for controlling said signals at said switchboard, and means in said case responsive to the movement of said permanent magnets for controlling connections between said lines.

20. In a telephone system, subscriber lines, a switchboard comprising a sealed case for terminating said lines, mechanical visual signals indi vidual to each of said lines mounted in said case and visible from outside of said case, means for operating said signals under control of their cor responding lines to signal said switchboard, unattached permanent magnets outside of said case individual to each of said signals, and means in said case controllable by said permanent magnets for maintaining said signals operated in case they have been operated under control of said lines, said signals and said means being operative with said switchboard mounted in any position.

21.. In a telephone system, a subscriber line, a line relay, two signals, a sealed container, means for mounting said line relay and said two signals in said container, means for connecting said line to said relay, a movable permanent magnet, a plurality of visibly marked positions for said magnet on said container, means for operating and releasing said relay under control of said line, means for operating one of said signals with said permanent magnet in one of said marked positions and with said relay operated, means for releasing said one signal in case said permanent magnet is moved to any other of said marked positions, and means for operating said other signal in case said permanent magnet is moved from said one position and said relay is released.

22. In a telephone system, a plurality of subscriber lines, a switchboard comprising a sealed case having signals one corresponding to each of said lines mounted therein, terminals accessible outside of said case for connecting said lines to said signals, an unattached permanent magnet for each of said lines, a normal position outside of said case for each of said permanent magnets, signalling means individual to said lines, the signal corresponding to any one of said lines being operated over the corresponding line in response to the operation of the signalling means thereof, the permanent magnet corresponding to said one line being effective in its normal position to hold said signal operated, and means responsive to the movement of said one permanent magnet from its normal position for releasing said signal in case it is operated.

237 In a telephone system, a plurality of subscriber lines, a manually operated switchboard, a permanent magnet and a signal for each of said lines at said switchboard, means including said permanent magnets for enabling said subscribe lines to operate their corresponding signals to signal said switchboard, and operator controlled means including said permanent magnets for selectively signalling said subscriber lines.

24. In a telephone system, a plurality of subscriber lines, a switchboard comprising a sealed case, switches and signals mounted therein, at least one of said switches and at least one of said signals individual to each of said lines and connected thereto, operators equipment, signal transmitting means and signal receiving means individual to each of said lines, permanent magnets one for each of said lines, individual ones of said signals being operative in response to the operation of the signal transmitting means on the corresponding individual lines, means responsive to said permanent magnets for controlling operated ones of said signals, means operable under control of said permanent magnets for selectively connecting said lines to said opera-tors equipment, operator controlled means including said permanent magnets for selectively operating the signal receiving means of said lines, and means for interconnecting any two of said lines, said last means including two of said permanent magnets and one of the switches for each of said two lines.

25. In a switching system, contacts, an armature for controlling said contacts, a container for enclosing said contacts and said armature, an adjustable stop for controlling said armature, a stop on said container, means for mounting said adjustable stop on said container, a permanent magnet, a position on said container for said permanent magnet, said position located jointly by said stop and said adjustable stop, and means for operating said armature responsive to movement of said magnet to and from said position to control said contacts.

CLARENCE MARBLE. CARL F. RUCKDESCHEL.

,EREN ES CITED llunz'ser Number rent:

Name Date Hubbard May 6, 1879 See Nov. 16, 1880 Clement Apr. 18, 1911 Way Oct. 8, 19 2 Miller May 13, 1913 Hammond June 12-, 1923 Lamb Sept. 17, 1935 Lamb Dec. 1, 1936 Lappin Nov. 14, 1939 Ellwood et a1. Jan. 16, 19 10 Dimond Dec. 1, 1942 Kalb Dec. 22-, 19-12 Kalb June 29, 1943 Hubbell July 13, 1943 Hellmann Aug. 24, 19 18 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain of 1909 

